2017 Fiat 500X Review

Overview:

SUVs are in a tough competition nowadays. Every other company is producing SUVs today. Whether it’s a European, Japanese or American automobile manufacturer, they will have SUVs on their account. But it’s quite seldom we come across Mini Crossover SUVs. And this is why we are here. Yes, this time we have come up with a mini crossover SUV.

In 2014, Fiat introduced a Mini Crossover SUV called 500X for the first time. Though the world has the introduction to Mini Crossover SUVs. But it’s not that often we see such cars. Usually, we come across the standard Crossover SUVs or the complete full-size SUVs.

The car was introduced at the Paris Motor Show. And later in the same year, it was released in the market. 500X is considered to be the successor of Fiat Sedici. Sedici was even a Mini SUV and it remained on the market for 9 years. The powertrain, as well as looks of both the cars, are similar.

As far as the market is concerned, the Mini SUVs from Fiat have not seen a fantastic response from the consumers yet. It may be because of too many crossover SUVs available. The Crossover SUVs are bigger in size, have more space and even bear almost the same price tag as the Mini SUVs do. And this is what could have become the major reason for a slender market reply of Mini SUVs.

Well, the Fiat 500X is priced as low as $20,000. There are 5 trim levels for 500X. Pop, Easy, Trekking, Lounge and Trekking Plus are the trim levels of 500X. Beside these 5 trims, there are even some other trims, designated on the basis of their shape.

Specifications:

Engine	Transmission	HP	Torque
1.4 – 2.0 L	5 – speed manual 6 & 9 – speed automatic	118 – 180 hp	170 – 260 lb – ft
0 – 62 MPH	Top Speed	Body Style	MPG
8.6s	120 mph	Mini SUV	25 city/ 34 highway

Performance:

The domestic terrain cars usually have a varied powertrain. But the column of SUVs relies on simplified Unitarian powertrains. But here with Fiat 500X, we have got a variety of engines to distinguish various powertrains. The trim level of 500X is mainly divided on the basis of performance.

The 1.4 L Fire inline-4 turbocharged gasoline engine is the basic powertrain of the car. With this configuration, you get 138 horses to ride at 170 lb – ft of torque. The most amazing thing is that we discovered in our tests is that this 1.4 L engine is around 2 seconds faster than what has been specified by Fiat. This configuration is matted with 6 – speed manual and is available with front – wheel – drive only.

The next drivetrain is equipped with a 1.6 L Etorq inline-4 cylinder engine. This configuration has a power of 160 hp @ 184 lb – ft of torque. Fiat calls it the fastest 500X, as it takes 8.6 seconds to complete 0 – 62 mph mark. From this point, the optional performance features start to enhance. Like in some territories of the world you can get the all – wheels – drive option with this engine, rather than the front – wheel – drive.

The next in the list is the Tigershark’s 2.4 L inline-4 cylinder engine. It comes with 9 – speed automatic transmission with a dual clutch. The standard driving configuration is of front – wheel – drive only. But all – wheel – drive with automatic activation is also available. The car will sense the need for all the wheel to drive and will activate the AWD automatically. And would even deactivate the system automatically. Well, this engine has 180 hp of power at 175 lb – ft of torque.

The diesel powertrain has 1.6 and 2.0 L Multijet Diesel engines.

Exterior:

The exterior even plays a major role in the division of the trim levels of 500X. Considerably all the cars in this franchise look the same. The standard body styling is of 4 – Door Mini Crossover SUV. The difference in the trim level is mainly distinguished by the wheels. The base trim has 16-inch alloy wheels, while 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels are available on higher trims.

Well in the UK and some other European markets, the body styling has been done in two different shapes. One has been called as the City Look 500X and the other as Off-road 500X. The City Look 500X has the conventional 500X shape, but the Off-Road 500X has got some off-road design bumpers, roof skirts, and enlarged V-spoke wheels.

The high tolerance steel frame has been used in the design to make the car non-vulnerable to the collisions.

Interior:

The interior design of 500X is subtle. It’s not that much luxurious, as we usually get in the full and mid-size SUVs. Rugged, chromed and eloquent aesthetic feel is available in the car. Also, plastic hood and dashboard are standard in the car. Well, Carbon Fiber would be equipped in place of the plastic parts. And ragged seats are even another standard of this urban rider. Indeed you get a city cabin at this price. Well, there are a number of add-ons available for 500X.

Features:

In 500X the driver cluster comes with a 3.5-inch screen. This is the standard size available, however, an optional 5-inch cluster screen is also available. The infotainment system has got a 6.5-inch touchscreen powered by Uconnect. Beats Audio sound system with navigation is optional. It’s a pretty simple tool with ample amount of features. Adding a navigation could enhance its usability.

Safety:

The Fiat 500X has a good track record in terms of its safety. Hatchbacks and Mini Crossover SUVs score higher marks in safety measures than the sedan, precisely performing sedans. The 500X has earned 5 Stars in the column of safe driving. There is an ample amount of passive safety equipment available in the car. And even there is a good range of active safety features available as well. Blind spot monitoring, Parking assistance, and Forward Collision warning are some major active safety features available for 500X.

Competitors:

The Jeep Renegade ranks higher than the Fiat 500X. Although Renegade is a good performer as compared to 500X. However, its price and neatly appointed interior raise its bar.

Fuel mileage, an economical price tag, and performance are some major postulates of Fiat 500X. But when it comes to the cabin, Fiat needs to add some more comfort.